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Story: Kim Ngan
Photos: Linh Pearl – Heritage Photo tour – Thai Nguyen 2024
In terms of its geographical location and easy accessibility, Thai Nguyen province is favorably situated within the regional planning area of Hanoi, near Noi Bai International Airport. Long associated with the title “Đệ nhất danh Trà” (Number One Famous Tea), Thai Nguyen is also home to an abundance of natural and cultural resources, with many outstanding historical artifacts. Landmarks such as Nui Coc Reservoir, the Dinh Hoa Safety Zone, the Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups, Thai Hai village, and the province’s famed tea fields have all helped Thai Nguyen to define itself as a popular tourist destination.
Thai Nguyen has been using its strengths to advance its tourism industry, particularly in community-based tourism, bringing unique experiences to travelers. Amid this green tapestry, Dai Tu district emerges as a hidden gem.
Nestled in the western part of Thai Nguyen province, Dai Tu resembles a rough diamond being polished to a shine. This region’s picturesque landscapes include towering mountains that touch the clouds, cascading waterfalls that gurgle day and night, and crystal-clear lakes that reflect the hills and mountains. Whether they are visiting for the first or the hundredth time, visitors are captivated by Dai Tu’s unique beauty, which feels both novel and familiar, whatever the season.
In Dai Tu, visitors feel like they have entered a green paradise where mountains blend harmoniously with lakes and tea hills. With its 89 islands of various sizes shrouded in morning mist, Nui Coc Lake has become a symbol of Thai Nguyen’s natural beauty. The lake’s tranquil surface forms a giant mirror, reflecting the majestic Tam Dao mountain range. As dawn breaks, the lake sparkles under the sun, filling visitors with relaxation and peace.
In Dai Tu, visitors feel like they have entered a green paradise where mountains blend harmoniously with lakes and tea hills. With its 89 islands of various sizes shrouded in morning mist, Nui Coc Lake has become a symbol of Thai Nguyen’s natural beauty. The lake’s tranquil surface forms a giant mirror, reflecting the majestic Tam Dao mountain range. As dawn breaks, the lake sparkles under the sun, filling visitors with relaxation and peace.
A little further away, Cu Tu Stream emerges as a masterpiece within the mountainous wilderness. Deep, crystal-clear pools nestled between steep rock walls resemble gateways to a mysterious world. This place is ideal for thrill seekers eager to conquer waterfalls, navigate narrow rock crevices, and experience the excitement of nature.
Beyond its natural beauty, Dai Tu is also home to lush green tea hills stretching along the eastern slopes of Tam Dao. Thai Nguyen is the province with the largest tea-growing area in Vietnam, and Dai Tu boasts the largest tea plantations in Thai Nguyen. Resembling soft silk ribbons winding along the mountainsides, these tea plantations exude a gentle fragrance from the tea leaves and flowers. Visitors should not miss the chance to sample the local honey-colored tea, which boasts a rich flavor and sweet aftertaste. While the first sip reveals a light astringency on the tongue, the deep sweetness lingers. Travelers can also experience local tea harvesting and processing methods while learning about the locals’ traditional culture.
A visit to Dai Tu would be incomplete without exploring eco-tourism options that connect visitors with nature and the local culture. These tours have developed rapidly in recent years to include outings to discover natural areas, trek through forests, and swim in streams. These experiences may be challenging, but tourists can rest assured that professional porters will help them.
What makes these tours even more interesting is the direct involvement of residents, especially young people. The porters are also storytellers, sharing the beauty of their homeland and culture with visitors. Many have left urban life due to their love for their homeland, where they have started innovative tourism businesses that are helping the local tourism industry to develop.
While Dai Tu’s natural landscape is majestic, its cultural colors add to its rare beauty. The residents are preserving and promoting their precious cultural heritage. With every step through this area, visitors will feel the sincerity and hospitality of the locals, whose love of nature and appreciation for their traditional culture shines through in their efforts to preserve and protect the environment. Dai Tu promises to become an attractive destination on Vietnam’s tourism map.
